MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
PRATT, Kan. — Pratt Oktoberfest will return to Lemon Park for its ninth annual celebration, featuring German food, drinks, live music and activities while raising money for the community.
Event organizer Jackie Mundt said Oktoberfest began in 2016 as a memorial project honoring a longtime Pratt chiropractor who had dreamed of bringing such an event to the community. One event was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year’s celebration will run from 5 to 10 p.m. The event is limited to adults 21 and older, and identification will be checked at the entrance. Tickets are $20 at the door or $15 in advance.
The Jim Kucera Band of Nebraska will perform polka music. Oktoberfest and craft beers will be available, along with ciders, seltzers, wine and nonalcoholic beer. Food trucks will serve German-themed food.
Pratt Oktoberfest will also host a qualifying event for the U.S. Steinholding Association’s Kansas championship. Preliminary rounds are scheduled for 5:45, 6:45 and 7:45 p.m., with the finals at 8:45 p.m.
The winners will qualify for the state competition Oct. 24 at Prost in Wichita. State champions will advance to the national competition in Ohio in November.
The local competition costs $10 to enter and includes a commemorative stein and beer. Space is limited, and participants are encouraged to register early.
Other activities will include axe throwing, cornhole, ladder ball and additional yard games. Attendees may also wear traditional German clothing, although costumes are not required.
Mundt said Pratt Oktoberfest is operated by a nonprofit organization that returns its proceeds to the community. The event has donated about $65,000 to Pratt organizations during its first eight years.